Etymology
Origin of panderer
First recorded in 1825–30; pander ( def. ) + -er 1 ( def. )
Explanation
A panderer caters to what other people want in a crass way. This word is not a compliment. If someone in class calls you a panderer, maybe stop bringing the teacher apples every day. A panderer is someone who tries to please others, not to help them but for an ulterior motive. A panderer kisses up to get something. A panderer is sometimes vulgar. Politicians are often panderers, especially the ones who say or do anything to get a vote or raise money. Pandering is dishonest because the panderer says what they think others want to hear, not what they really believe.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
As a panderer, one artfully strokes purring sympathizers.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 13, 2026
"That's the cost of clarity. He tells it like it is, he's not a panderer," another Macron lawmaker said.
From Reuters ● Mar. 25, 2022
A rival, Gov. John Kasich of Ohio, all but gushed: “I’m not a big panderer, but I do have to tell you: I love California. I have been coming here for a very long time.”
From New York Times ● May 2, 2016
"He's not a panderer and he doesn't need to pander."
From US News ● Feb. 26, 2015
He was attacked and insulted by men who had never made an observation, and, what was more curious, as a panderer to the theological prejudices of the past.
From The Autobiography of a Journalist, Volume I by Stillman, William James
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
